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Why doesn’t Social Security believe I am disabled? What can I do to prove that I really cannot work?
The Social Security Administration will make a decision regarding your disability claim based upon your statements, statements of those who know you, and all relevant medical and vocational evidence. For example, a caseworker from Social Security may contact a friend or relative who has firsthand knowledge of your impairments, specifically inquiring how your impairments impact your ability to carry on work tasks or activities of daily living.
Much emphasis is placed upon the medical evidence from the time before a claim is filed all the way through to a decision on your claim. If you do not seek medical attention or other assistance, there may not be sufficient evidence to support your claim. Therefore, you should consult with your doctor/physician or other medical professional in an effort to provide evidence supporting your claim. The Social Security Administration, including the Administrative Law Judges, must give the most weight to your treating physician(s). If you do not have medical evidence from a treating physician, then Social Security may rely on the evidence they obtain as a result of a report which is based on a consultative examination of you scheduled by the administration.
Other important evidence is your past work history. If you had difficulty in a previous job, you may be able to obtain some documentation such as a letter or attendance record from your past employer explaining what part of your job was difficult for you and/or the reason you left the employment.
You should also let the Social Security Administration know if you have ever participated in a program through the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation or other agency. Often times, the agency will do a full functional evaluation which can be beneficial in proving how your limitations affect work activity and your ability to follow through with many types of tasks, demonstrating both physical and mental limitations.
Should you have any questions regarding Social Security Disability, or if you would like to consult with an attorney, please contact our office.